In a fashion moment that made the internet collectively gasp, Blake Lively channelled early 2000s nostalgia by stepping onto the red carpet in Britney Spears’ iconic Versace SS03 dress from 2002.
The actress, known for her impeccable fashion sense and for styling herself, made headlines at the New York City premiere of her new film It Ends With Us when she arrived in the rainbow-hued gown that Britney had memorably worn over two decades ago. And Lively didn’t just pick any dress—this was the dress that left a mark on pop culture history.
But why this dress, and why now? Blake Lively took to Instagram post-premiere to share her reasoning, posting a throwback photo of Britney in the gown and penning a heartfelt tribute to the pop icon. “The ultimate queen who made us all want to sparkle and write and share our stories,” Lively wrote.
She went on to praise Britney Spears, saying, “Britney, us millennials all have a story of a moment or of years that you made us want to shine and inspire awe, with strength, and joy and immensely hard work. Thank you for your example and your contribution to women telling their stories. So excited about your biopic and all you have to come.”
Lively’s look was completed with soft waves in her hair, paying homage to Britney’s style when she first wore the dress at Versace’s Milan Fashion Week show in 2002. This sartorial choice was no accident—Lively clearly aimed to evoke the same effortless glamour that Britney did, and she nailed it.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Lively has turned to Versace in recent days. The Gossip Girl alum was spotted in another Versace ensemble, one that she even wore twice due to a little wardrobe mishap. The star humorously explained that she had worn the outfit incorrectly the first time, so she felt it was only right to give it another go—correctly this time.
Britney Spears herself seemed to feel a pang of nostalgia seeing Blake Lively in her iconic dress. Just days later, on August 10, the pop star took to Instagram, dazzling in an updated version of the same dress. This new version was shorter, heavily embellished, and featured a thigh-high slit—definitely a more daring look than the original. Spears captioned her post with, “UPDATED VERSION OF MY 2002 VERSACE DRESS!!! I LIKE IT WAY BETTER,” cheekily adding, “SHOWS MY LEGS!!!”
But let’s get back to Blake for a moment. During a chat about the vintage piece, the Gossip Girl alum told People that wearing Britney’s dress was a surreal experience. “This dress should have been in the Smithsonian or the Met,” she said, “but instead, it’s on me. I feel so lucky!” As a cherry on the top, Lively’s character in It Ends With Us, Lily Bloom runs a floral shop, and the dress—with its colourful, embellished flowers—was a perfect nod to the film’s aesthetic.
And what a story this dress tells! From Britney in 2002 to Blake in 2024 (and with a now updated Britney’s 2024 version), the Versace gown has journeyed through time, carrying with it the weight of memories, pop culture, and a legacy of female empowerment. Lively’s decision to wear it was not just a fashion statement—it was a powerful nod to the influence of Britney Spears, a woman who, despite the highs and lows of her career, remains a symbol of strength and resilience.